House Bill 479 introduces the "Tennessee National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act," which establishes a TRICARE premium reimbursement program within the military department for members of the Tennessee National Guard. The bill defines "eligible recipient" as a member of the Tennessee National Guard who qualifies for TRICARE reserve select or TRICARE dental program coverage. The military department is authorized to award reimbursement grants to these eligible recipients for premiums paid for individual coverage under either the TRICARE reserve select program or the TRICARE dental program.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if any portion of the premiums is reimbursed or covered by the federal government, that portion will no longer be eligible for reimbursement through the state program. The adjutant general is tasked with creating and publishing policies and guidelines to implement the program. Importantly, the act does not allocate funds, and any expenditures must be specifically appropriated by the general appropriations act. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.